French election: Macron and Le Pen clash on Russia, Europe, climate and economy in TV debate
Russia and Europe featured early as Emmanuel Macron and Marine Le Pen clashed in their live televised debate on Wednesday night, four days before the decisive vote in France's presidential election.
"Another choice is possible", Le Pen said at the outset, claiming she would be "president of everyday life" as she kicked off the contest with the outgoing president. The incumbent, meanwhile, began by vowing to "take hold of the environmental question" and to "make Europe stronger".
The far-right challenger -- who qualified for next Sunday's run-off along with Macron after the first round on April 10 -- was under pressure to land a significant blow on her adversary, who has extended his lead in recent days according to opinion polls.
As the debate turned early to Ukraine, Macron went on the offensive, accusing his rival of "depending on Russian power" and "on Mr Putin" for having "taken out a loan from a Russian bank".
"You talk to your banker when you talk about Russia, that's the problem", he alleged.
His opponent rejected the charge, insisting she was "patriotic (...) an absolutely and totally free woman". She accused Macron of adopting an "undignified" and "dishonest" stance.
In 2014 the former National Front party (now "National Rally") took out a €9 million loan from a Russian bank. Le Pen has justified seeking financing from Russia by citing the refusal of French banks to do so.
Although she said she categorically condemned Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Marine Le Pen has been profuse in the past in her admiration for Vladimir Putin, defending in particular Russia's annexation of Crimea. Despite the current war, her manifesto advocates closer security ties with Moscow.
Macron also quickly went on the attack over Le Pen's
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